Trickle-Down Effect Doesn't Bother Wolf Pack's Jeff Malcolm

HARTFORD — When word spread from New York this week, Jeff Malcolm couldn't help but think of the ramifications.

Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers' elite goaltender, is ready to return from an injury that has sidelined him since Jan. 31. When Lundqvist assumes his spot as the No. 1 goalie on Broadway, Cam Talbot steps back to his reserve role and 20-year-old rookie Mackenzie Skapski will likely be bounced to the American Hockey League.

So where will that leave Malcolm, the former Yale goalie who was promoted to Hartford from the Rangers' ECHL affiliate in Greenville?

As he practiced at the XL Center this week, Malcolm wasn't thinking that far ahead.

"I try not to [think about it], but obviously the word is getting around and people are talking," Malcolm said. "You're going to look at those things, but you can't let it affect your day-to-day work habits. It's out of your control and the only thing you can control is your game on the ice."

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The Hartford Wolf Pack tied a franchise record Sunday against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, allowing the Penguins only 13 shots on goal in a 5-2 Wolf Pack win.

The victory gave the Wolf Pack a perfect weekend, as the Pack also won road...

It could still be awhile before the Rangers are forced to make a roster move. Lundqvist will practice Friday and again next week, but he won't be available for a game until next week. Skapski, who has performed well in the NHL, will stay with New York until Lundqvist is ready.

And even when Skapski returns to Hartford, the Rangers might keep three goalies with the Wolf Pack. Skapski has played in only two games since he was promoted to the Rangers Feb. 4.

The Wolf Pack have veteran Yann Danis as the primary goalie, with Malcolm as the reserve. Malcolm was having a strong season in Greenville, with a 2.54 goals against average and .92 save percentage in 25 games. He earned a promotion earlier in the season and was an ECHL All-Star in January.

Malcolm has a 3.32 goal against average in nine games, a number that rose when he allowed five goals and four goals in consecutive games this month.

Still, he's been better than he was during a six-game AHL stint last year.

"Each day I'm getting more and more comfortable with myself and my game," Malcolm said. "I think I'm adapting to the AHL a little bit better than I did last year. I played a few more games down in the ECHL and I think that helped, too."

Malcolm was a more aggressive goaltender at Yale, but the Rangers have coached him to chang his style. That transition has taken some time and he's feeling more comfortable this season, benefiting from an extended stretch of playing regularly in Greenville.

"It's about coming to the rink each day and bettering yourself," Malcolm said. "Obviously the more reps you get, the more comfortable you get in your position and in your save-making ability. That's a huge part of goaltending, for sure."

At 25, Malcolm is still a prospect. With Talbot establishing himself in New York and Skapski emerging as a prospect this year, the Rangers are deep at the position.

But Malcolm looks at Talbot as inspiration. Talbot signed with the Rangers as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama-Huntsville and spent two years as a backup in Hartford before seizing the starting job.

After one season as an AHL starter, he made the jump to New York and has distinguished himself as Lundqvist's understudy. His recent play while Lundqvist was out has some believing he could be a No. 1 goalie down the road.

"He took advantage of his opportunity," Malcolm said. "I just want to do the same thing. That's what you want to do. You want to progress each and every year. Cam is obviously the model for that. He's worked his way and he's doing what he's doing in the NHL now. That's something to model yourself after."

Just as Talbot shined when the opportunity presented itself in Hartford and New York, Malcolm is aware that his latest AHL audition is a chance to open some eyes. Skapski — whom Malcolm describes as "calm, cool, and collected … well beyond his years" — has done the same and has leaped to the head of the prospect line.

"You've got to take advantage of every opportunity that you get," Malcolm said. "Obviously, this is an injury situation. But it doesn't matter how you get your shot, you have to take advantage of it."